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Woman's dress
Worn by: Mehetable Stoddard Sumner (Welles) (American, 1784–1826)
possibly French, worn in America
around 1810
Place of Manufacture: possibly France; Place of Use: Boston, Massachusetts, United States; Place of Manufacture: possibly India (fabric and embroidery)
Medium/Technique
Cotton plain weave (mull), embroidered with silver strips, silk twill tape (drawstrings), linen plain weave tape (interior, under bust)
Dimensions
Center back (overall): 131.4 cm (51 3/4 in.)
Other (bodice): 17.8 x 63.5 cm (7 x 25 in.)
Other (back panel): 92.4 cm (36 3/8 in.)
Center front: 123.2 cm (48 1/2 in.)
Other (bodice): 17.8 x 63.5 cm (7 x 25 in.)
Other (back panel): 92.4 cm (36 3/8 in.)
Center front: 123.2 cm (48 1/2 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent
Accession Number49.873
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsFashion and Textiles
ClassificationsCostumes
DescriptionWhite sheer cotton dress; high waisted with low squared neckline and short puffed sleeves; long full skirt with triangular inserts and fullness and gathers at back; skirt embroidered with silver floral sprigs and an undulating vine; drawstring closures at back of neck and waist; back panel is a full width of cloth
ProvenanceWorn by Mehetable Stoddard Sumner (Mrs. Benjamin Welles) (1784-1826) of Boston; Inherited by her granddaughter Miss Georgiana Welles Sargent (born 1858) of New York City; Gift of Emily Welles Robbins (Mrs. Harry Pelham Robbins) and the Hon. Sumner Welles, in memory of Georgiana Welles Sargent, to MFA 1949